In Need of Bay Area Gardening Tips

[AngieN]

I have just moved into a new home in Berkeley that now has a full backyard including the start of a garden. The timing is perfect to get that garden into good use for a bountiful coming summer and fall harvest but I need to act fast. I've not really gardened much in the bay area and could use any tips and tricks to help my garden produce well and stay in good health (i.e. how much to water and when? are their any local parasites or plant diseases to take note of and watch for?). I have managed to get a few staple plants into the ground (tomatoes, chard, eggplant, herbs and hot peppers) but would love suggestions on other plants to try out as well.

In collaboration to my new garden I now have a couple of compost bins too. I'm looking to get those up and running as soon as I can also. I wondered if anyone might have a great source for fresh organic manure to use in smaller quantities. I have looked on craigslist a bit but most of the listings seem to be in bulk large quantities.

I really appreciate any and all suggestions and assistance I can get in this new endeavor of mine. I think this will help my natural chef training tremendously.

Thanks and have a wonderful day!

[dersand]

You can get horse compost up at Tilden Park - the stables by the trains. You go there and scoop up as much (or little) as you want. I'll try to find the directions. Sometimes there is a listing on craigslist.

For some general info go to: www.sfvictorygardens.org
The Berkeley Ecology Center also has a lot of info. They have a handout on planting times

Go to East Bay Nursery or Berkeley Horticulture (both in Berkeley) and ask any staff all your questions - they are all very helpful.  Berkeley Hort also has lots of handouts buy the checkout.

A few other sites:
http://loveapplefarm.typepad.com/growbetterveggies/instructions-on-how-to-gr.html
http://inmykitchengarden.blogspot.com/

I'm in Oakland (Rockridge) and have lots of luck with beans, cucumbers, lettuce (romaine types are great), arugula, kale, beets, herbs of all types, basil, mint, lemon grass, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, watermelon, canteloupe. I know 2 folks who had decent crops of corn. Bugs haven't be much of a problem using compost only for nutrients rather than chemical feritlizers. If I do get any aphids I use a dilute soap solution.

Oh and another resource- I'm getting a Wriggly Worm Wranch soon from here: http://stopwaste.org/home/index.asp

Have fun!
Sandy

[AngieN]

Thank you greatly for all of the resources Sandy! I can't wait to delve in and get more involved. I live in South Berkeley so I'm sure that your successes would translate nicely to my garden.

I would love also to come check out your spot and talk with you in person if that is a possibility. Please email me directly at adneedels@gmail.com if this can be arranged.

I hope you are having a wonderful day and thank you again for your wealth of knowledge and I look forward to becoming much more intimate with gardening in the bay area!

All the best!